Playgroups

Playgroups provide a social opportunity for families with children aged 0-5 years to meet, play and learn.

Playgroups:

Can be held at locations such as community centres, schools, kindergartens, aged care facilities, churches and halls

Often operate for to 2 hours in duration

Are vital to children’s development and learning readiness

Can create social opportunities for parents and their children to meet each other and make friends. They can develop social support networks. Parents can work together to provide a stimulating play environment for their children to grow and learn.

Types of playgroups

There are two main types of playgroup:

community playgroup

supported playgroup

In a community playgroup, parents are involved in the running of the playgroup such as planning and setting play experiences, supervision and packing up.

Cost can apply to these playgroups and varies across the playgroups.

In a supported playgroup, an early year’s worker facilitates the playgroup and parents are encouraged to get involved in the playgroup process and engaging their children during play. Parents will be provided with parenting information and ideas at the playgroup.

Playgroup development

Starting your own playgroupIf you wish to start your own playgroup, please contact the Playgroup Development Officer on 8571 1826 for information, resources and support.

Support for Community Playgroups If you have a community playgroup and would like to talk about support for your community playgroup, please contact the Playgroup Development Officer on 8571 1826 or email childrenservadminsupport@cgd.vic.gov.au

Having difficulty contacting a playgroup?For further information about community playgroups in the City of Greater Dandenong or if you are having difficulty contacting a playgroup, please call the Playgroup Development Officer on 8571 1826 or email childrenservadminsupport@cgd.vic.gov.au